Paparazzo killed attempting to take photo of Justin Bieber

Pop sensation Justin Bieber has called for tougher laws on paparazzi intrusion after a photographer was killed trying to snap the 18-year-old in his car.

The photographer, who has not been named, believed he had spotted Bieber sitting in his parked white Ferrari after it was pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers on New Year’s Day.

Bieber said in a statement: “Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves.”

The photographer parked across the street from a car he believed to belong to Bieber before crossing the road to try and get a picture of the car’s occupants.

Officers had asked the photographer to return to his own car twice before he was struck by on-coming traffic crossing the road.

Photos of the young pop star can garner substantial sums for the photographer.

“While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim,” added the singer.

In July, a group of paparazzi chased Bieber down a motorway in separate vehicles resulting in one photographer facing criminal charges, including reckless driving, but thankfully no casualties.